A tragic workplace accident in Egg Harbor Township has drawn attention to the dangers construction workers and bystanders face when safety protocols fail. A 23-year-old roofing worker lost his life after a concrete slab collapsed on him outside the Clubs at Tilton condominium complex. While working at ground level, the worker was crushed beneath the fallen structure. He suffered severe internal injuries and later died during emergency surgery.

This devastating incident is not an isolated case. Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces in New Jersey, with falls, structural collapses, and heavy equipment accidents causing catastrophic injuries every year. Workers’ compensation laws exist to protect employees, but legal challenges often arise when multiple parties are involved, especially when property owners and contractors fail to ensure safe conditions.

Construction Workers Face High Risks on Job Sites

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 81 workplace fatalities occurred in New Jersey in 2023, with construction-related incidents making up a significant portion. Among the leading causes were falls, being struck by objects, and structural failures, all of which seriously threaten workers in high-risk industries.

In this latest Egg Harbor Township tragedy, the worker was not on a rooftop or scaffolding—he was on the ground when the concrete landing platform for an outdoor staircase collapsed. Structural failures like this suggest poor design, faulty construction, or a lack of proper inspections. Workers face deadly consequences when heavy materials are not properly secured, and liability extends beyond just the employer.

Workers’ Compensation in New Jersey

Construction workers injured on the job—or the families of those who suffer fatal accidents—may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In New Jersey, workers’ compensation covers:

• Medical expenses related to the injury.
• Lost wages for time away from work.
• Permanent disability benefits if the injury results in long-term impairment.
• Death benefits for surviving family members of a worker killed on the job.

However, these benefits do not cover all damages, and in many cases, workers must explore third-party claims against negligent contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers.

When Third Parties May Be Liable

While workers’ compensation prevents injured employees from suing their direct employer, other negligent parties may still be held accountable. Construction projects often involve multiple companies, including general contractors, subcontractors, and property owners, all of whom share responsibility for maintaining safe conditions. When a worker is injured due to a structural collapse caused by poor engineering or lack of maintenance, negligence by an independent contractor, or defective equipment and unsafe materials, the legal options may extend beyond workers’ compensation. In such cases, an injured worker or their surviving family members may have the right to pursue additional legal claims against the responsible parties. A personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit can provide further compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and financial losses, ensuring that victims and their families are not left to shoulder the burden alone.

Bystander Injuries at Construction Sites

While workers assume some occupational risks, the general public does not expect to be in danger simply by living near or passing by a construction site. The Egg Harbor Township accident underscores how construction failures can endanger bystanders.

A mother and her two children were trapped inside a second-floor unit as emergency crews worked to rescue them following the collapse. Fortunately, they were unharmed, but many bystanders suffer serious or fatal injuries when falling debris, heavy equipment failures, or unsecured structures fail near public spaces.

New Jersey law allows injured bystanders to file premises liability or negligence claims against the responsible parties. Property owners, developers, and construction companies must implement safety measures that prevent harm to workers and the surrounding community.

Preventing Future Construction Accidents

Following a major construction accident, investigators assess whether OSHA violations, negligence, or structural defects contributed to the incident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces workplace safety regulations, and violations can lead to hefty fines and liability claims.

Common safety failures that contribute to serious construction accidents include:

• Failure to secure heavy materials such as scaffolding, concrete slabs, or support beam.;
• Lack of routine structural inspections to detect weaknesses in staircases, platforms, or load-bearing elements.
• Insufficient training for workers operating near unstable structures.
• Failure to enforce safety protocols for both workers and nearby residents. 

Families who lose loved ones in preventable workplace accidents deserve answers. When companies fail to follow safety regulations, they must be held accountable to compensate victims and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Who Is Held Accountable When New Jersey Construction Accidents Cause Serious Injuries

When a construction accident results in serious injuries or fatalities, determining liability requires a careful examination of the circumstances. Workers who suffer harm on the job may be entitled to workers’ compensation, but additional legal options could be available if a third party’s negligence played a role. Families who lose loved ones may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim, and bystanders injured due to unsafe conditions can pursue legal action against those responsible.

The collapse in Egg Harbor Township highlights how construction failures extend beyond the job site, affecting workers and the surrounding community. When safety measures are ignored or critical inspections are overlooked, the consequences can be devastating. Holding responsible parties accountable is not only about securing compensation—it is about ensuring that preventable tragedies do not happen again.

Contact Petrillo & Goldberg Today

Construction accidents can have devastating consequences for workers, bystanders, and families left to cope with the aftermath. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to unsafe working conditions, structural failures, or negligent construction practices, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Seeking fair compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress caused by these preventable accidents. At Petrillo & Goldberg Law, our team is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers and bystanders affected by construction site negligence. Call 856-486-4343 today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the justice and financial recovery you deserve.